AGMPRISMA and Ciel: As I have had the chance to see most of my favourite animals in the wild, I'm not particularly fond of zoos. However, I'm glad they exist when it comes to species already extinct in the wild and such is the case of the Scimitar-Horned Oryx I've previously posted: http://oeirasdailyphoto.blogspot.pt/2012/03/extinct-in-wild.html

These are awesome, JM! I'm not really fond of zoos either, but I'm glad the animals are being protected so that we can continue to enjoy their beauty. So many of those in the wild are being killed in one way or another -- mostly by humans and I do hate that! The tiger looks close enough to touch and I love it! Have a great week!

Great photos, JM. I'm like the others . . . in an ideal world, these unique animals would be in the wild, but zoos do have an important role in preserving endangered animals. Also, not everyone is as fortunate as you and I have been to see them in their natural environments. Good zoos let many people see them, who will never go to Africa or Asia.

There are good zoos and there are bad zoos. Since I know you passionately care about these animals from the wild, I can only conclude Lisbon's is a good one. The face of the rhino grabs me in a primitive way.